Being subject to Authority

Let’s be clear from the start I consider myself as a classical liberal. For those of you unclear on that I’m big on the responsibility and the value of the individual, limited government low taxes and states rights. Or what is often referred to as a conservative. Does this matter, probably not but I’m big on disclosure so there you go.

Do we really need more coarse language?

Ok so the vitriol that spews forth against the current President from people who dare to call themselves Christian is to me amazing. Christian leadership needs to criticize, speak out against things you think are wrong, even immoral ie: abortion to your heart’s content, but isn’t it time you remembered that you are commanded to have respect for authority for they are placed in office by God. Read Romans 12 & 13. The magistrate is there to do 2 things. Punish evil, condone the good. For a more in-depth analysis of this concept see “The Truth Project”

Are their laws and actions being taken by the government that I think as a Christian I have a moral obligation to protest, fight against, and do my best to change? Of course. We should stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What you and I should not do is promote hate for people no matter how much we disagree. You and I have an obligation to reflect the one we call Lord. If your daring to call yourself by the name of Christ and then saying some of the things I see floating around on Facebook, twitter, and blogs, I have to wonder what you’re trying to show the world. If your calling yourself a Christian, you are setting yourself up as a witness for Christ. Are your actions, your language really the way you want people to view Jesus?

Hate the action, not the person.

Let me be clear, hate is not disagreeing. Hate is not holding the belief that certain actions or lifestyles are wrong. When my sons were teenagers one of them decided that smoking pot and skipping school was how he would spend his days. I hated what he was doing, because I love him. Because I love him, I want what’s best for him. Not what he wanted to do, and what he thought was best for him.

Likewise if I see someone doing things that aren’t best for them, I hate that too. Before you go getting all bent jumping on the “judge not lest ye be judged” bandwagon, I’m not judging. That’s not my place nor do I have the wisdom or the authority. All I know is what God says. If you have a problem with that, then it’s for you to deal with, not me.

If your going to call yourself a Christian, especially publicly, we are commanded to love our enemies. Disagree with the actions, no problem, hate the actions, what you see government or this administration doing all you want. Oppose it, work to change it. But please stop spewing the hate of the person, instead of the action. We, you and I are give direction that we are subject to the authorities God has put over us.

“If your going to preach fire and brimstone you need to do it with tears in your eyes” – Jim Rohn

What do you think when you see others tearing apart our leaders out of anger, instead of seeking to change things because of love? What about when it is someone who then claims to be a Christian?